This survey seeks to collect data on
vessel's fixed cost information. The Northeast Fisheries Science
Center's (NEFSC) Social Sciences Branch (SSB) collected annual cost
information from commercial fishing vessel owners in 2007, 2008 and
2009. Data was collected via a voluntary mail survey associated
with the federal fishing permit renewal application. However,
because of the continuing decreasing response rates, the NEFSC
discontinued the surveys after year 2009. The proposed data
collection approach will be more scientific and rigorous. Proper
steps will also be taken to increase response rates as well as to
validate the collected data. These cost data will enable SSB to
conduct more comprehensive research and analysis about the economic
and social impacts of proposed and final fishery management
actions, consistent with applicable laws such as the
Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act and the
Regulatory Flexibility Act.
US Code:
16 USC 1881 et seq. Name of Law: Magnuson-Stevens Fishery
Conservation and Management Act
US Code:
42 USC 4321 et seq. Name of Law: National Environmental Policy
Act of 1969
On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that
the collection of information encompassed by this request complies
with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR
1320.8(b)(3).
The following is a summary of the topics, regarding
the proposed collection of information, that the certification
covers:
(i) Why the information is being collected;
(ii) Use of information;
(iii) Burden estimate;
(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a
benefit, or mandatory);
(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and
(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control
number;
If you are unable to certify compliance with any of
these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked
and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.